SdKfz 2 kleines Kettenrad

[David]

The Sonderkraftwagen (meaning 'Special Vehicle') or abbreviated as SdKfz 2 kleines Kettenrad (meaning 'half-track') was developed for the German Army and Luftwaffe airborne units as a light utility tractor (Model HK101) for towing the Pak 35/36 anti-aircraft gun.
The HK101 system was designed for one driver, positioned in a well just between the two tracks and the engine placed squarely behind him. Two passengers could be carried on the removable rear seat port or resupply items could be carried instead.
Upon incurring huge losses on the island of Crete, the Luftwaffe troops now found themselves fighting as a regular army, with little use for their light artillery/ Thusly, the Kettenrad lost its primary role of transporting artillery for the paratroopers and was now instead relegated to be used strictly as a supply tractor.
Towing capacity was limited to 992 lbs, but the little system could navigate mud, rock and sand in areas where larger machines could not. Few Kettenrads were eventually built, and most were held in reserve for the most difficult of resupply missions.
Eventually, the success of the smaller Kettenrad brought along the proposal of a larger version known as the Model HK102, which would feature a larger engine and the capability to carry 5 men. Unfortunately, the Kettenrad system as a whole was deemed an inessential part of the German war machine - a luxury it could do without - and thusly the HK102 never went past the design stage.
Kettenrads, though produced in low numbers, saw action through the end of the war. Several variants were modified including a cable-laying system operated by a driver and cable signaller. Two of these cable-laying variants existed as the SdKfz 2/1 and the SdKfz 2/2.
The SdKfz 2 kleines Kettenrad can be seen in action at the climax of the World War 2 motion picture Saving Private Ryan.
Specifications for the SdKfz 2 kleines Kettenrad Halftrack Motorcycle:

Designation: SdKfz 2 kleines Kettenrad
Classification: Small-Wheel Tractor / Halftrack
Service Date: 1941
Weight: 2,646 lbs (1,200 kg)
Length: 8 feet, 11.9 inches (2.74 m)
Height: 3 feet, 3.8 inches (1.01 m)
Width: 3 feet, 3.4 inches (1.0 m)
Maximum Speed: 49.7 mph (80 km/h)
Engine: 1 x Opel Olympia 38 petrol engine generating 26.8 kW (36hp) of power
Crew: 1 + 2
Armament: None.
More Pictures of the SdKfz 2 kleines Kettenrad Moto-Halftrack: